> recruiting processFAQs
Why White & Case?We are a leading global law firm with 38 offices in 26 countries. We have strong US, English and, where appropriate, local law capabilities, and our clients rely on us for their complex cross-border transactions as well as their representation in arbitration and litigation proceedings. We work with some of the world's most respected and well-established companies—including two-thirds of the
Global Fortune 100 and half the
Fortune 500, as well as start-up visionaries, governments and state-owned entities. The manner in which we staff our deals (three-quarters of our major clients require ten or more of our offices to handle their global and local needs) guarantees you will have an international component to just about any assignment you are given, no matter which office you call home.
How do I apply for a Summer Associate position?We participate in on-campus interviews (OCI) at many law schools and job fairs across the US. (
See 2012 OCI Schedule.) If your school is not on this list or if you are not able to secure an on-campus interview, please submit your cover letter, résumé and law school transcript as well as a ten-page writing sample to the recruiter in the appropriate office. (
See Recruiting Contacts.)
How long will the interview last?Your final-round interview will last about 2-1/2 hours and you will generally meet with two Partners and two Associates. If your interview is in the morning, you will also have the option to stay for lunch, which is a great opportunity to get to know some of our associates in a casual setting. The interview process may vary slightly by office.
Can I ask to meet with lawyers in specific practice areas or who belong to affinity groups?Yes, we encourage you to make this request. We make every effort to tailor your interview schedule to reflect your interests.
What expenses are reimbursed by the Firm?Along with an invitation for a final-round interview, you will receive a copy of our "Next Steps" travel document, which will cover our guidelines. Our in-house travel office will assist you with booking your travel. For final-round interviews, we will reimburse all reasonable travel expenses including your round-trip travel from school to our office, a hotel stay (depending on the length of your trip) and out-of-pocket expenses, including taxis and meals.
What criteria are used to determine offers?We are looking for people who demonstrate aptitude, leadership, teamwork, initiative and strong verbal and written communication skills. A strong desire to practice law in an international setting is key. During the summer, you will have two formal evaluations along with being provided with informal feedback. We view this as a two-way process and in addition to providing you with feedback about your work, we look forward to hearing your comments about your summer experience.
When will I find out if I have received a Summer Associate and a full-time offer?Offers are made on a rolling basis during the fall recruiting season and our goal is to provide you with an answer within one to two weeks following your final-round interview, sometimes sooner. If this is not possible, a member of our hiring committee will let you know when you can expect to hear from us. If you spend your summer with us, you will be advised about the status of your full-time offer within one to two weeks following the conclusion of the Summer Program.
What is the length of the Summer Program?The program is ten weeks long and begins in mid-May and ends in late July.
What types of training programs are available for Summer Associates?We know your training and development as a lawyer is a priority for you. It is also a priority for us. Your training will begin on your first day at the Firm and will continue each week during the summer. Training includes seminars on trial advocacy, interactive legal writing workshops and practice-specific programs.
How will I receive work assignments during the summer?Prior to the start of the Summer Program, we will ask you about your practice area interests. Our goal is to provide you with a well-rounded summer where you will have the opportunity to do a variety of work and meet as many of our lawyers as possible. Let us know if you want to work in specific areas and we will make every effort to get this work for you. We trust that you will find the system beneficial.
Will I be able to work on pro bono matters?Pro Bono is one of the Firm's global practices and is strongly encouraged. In the US, we have a full-time Pro Bono Manager who helps staff Summer Associates on these matters. Pro Bono is a great way to gain valuable experience, work directly with clients and work on issues that you are passionate about. Last year, for example, summer associates assisted End Child Prostitution and Trafficking–USA with research to amend the PROTECT Act to ensure the rights of foreign child victims of illicit sexual conduct by US citizens in foreign countries. They also researched global case law on violence against women to help the Avon Global Center for Women and Justice at Cornell University create a searchable, free-access database of resource material to gender-based violence and access to justice for women. (
See Social Responsibility for more information on our pro bono efforts.)
Will I have mentors during the summer?You will be assigned several lawyers who will be available to mentor you formally and informally. This includes Partner and Associate Mentors who will "show you the ropes." And the recruiters in each office are here to help you along the way.
What kinds of social events take place during the summer?We want you to get to know each other as well as our lawyers and we plan a variety of casual, fun events to help make this happen. (
See Summer Program social events.)
Will I travel for work during the summer?Most of the time, you will remain in your home office for the duration of the Summer Program. There are instances, however, when a Summer Associate will be asked to travel to either another White & Case office or to a client for a work-related matter.
What is the Summer Associate salary?The salary is US$3,077 per week in our Los Angeles, New York, Silicon Valley and Washington, DC offices and US$2,596 per week in our Miami office. You will be paid twice per month. In addition, you will be eligible to receive a salary advance prior to your arrival at the Firm to help you transition from law school to life as a Summer Associate.
What is the dress code?Our year-round dress code is business casual. All lawyers are advised to keep a business suit in the office in case of an unexpected client meeting or court appearance.
Is it possible to split my summer with another law firm? As a general practice, we do not support split summers and would like you to remain with us for the entire ten weeks. We are committed to offering you a meaningful, informative and enjoyable summer and strongly believe that the first step to achieving this goal is allowing sufficient time for you to get to know our lawyers and your fellow Summer Associates, and for us to get to know you.
Does White & Case hire first-year law students for its Summer Program?We have not yet made a decision regarding the status of first-year law students for our 2013 Summer Program. We expect to make this decision in January 2013.
When do you accept applications from LL.M. students?Each office makes a decision whether to recruit LL.M. students at the beginning of each year, and we accept LL.M. applications starting in January. If you are interested in applying for a position, please submit your cover letter, résumé, law school transcript and first semester LL.M. transcript as well as a ten-page writing sample to the recruiter in the appropriate office. In addition, please let us know which practice area is of interest to you.
What if I have additional questions?We encourage you to contact the recruiter in the appropriate office (see Recruiting Contacts) with your questions and someone in that office will respond as soon as possible. If you receive a summer offer from us, we encourage you to return to the Firm for a "second look" meeting.